Merri Bar unveils an exceptional September lineup featuring Melbourne's most compelling independent voices.
The Gilbert Road venue has become synonymous with authentic music discovery, consistently providing a platform where emerging and established artists can connect with audiences in an intimate, community-focused environment. This September showcases the remarkable diversity of Melbourne’s grassroots music scene, from blues experimentalists to world music poets.
Tuesday trivia continues its weekly tradition from 7.30pm, while Wednesday whisky specials offer 20 per cent discounts across the entire range. Due to overwhelming demand, open mic nights have transitioned to a fortnightly format, scheduled for Thursday 4 September and Thursday 18 September at 7pm. Musicians can now register for future open mic dates through the venue’s website, reflecting the growing popularity of this platform for emerging talent.
Check out our gig guide here.
Kier Stevens
- 6 September
Melbourne blues master Kier Stevens brings his prolific steel guitar artistry to Preston, operating under the memorable catchphrase “my name rhymes with beer.” Originally from Hobart, Stevens has become a fixture of Melbourne’s inner-city music scene over more than a decade, maintaining multiple projects including primary band Doggerel, which delivers “bung blues, roughhouse rock, and sundry sad tunes about drinking, dishonour, and death.” His latest album New Disgraces showcases working-class blues themes with cheerfully irreverent approach to tradition.
Mijo Biscan
- 7 September
Seasoned Melbourne singer-songwriter Mijo Biscan presents existential alternative rock shaped by over 15 years of professional experience. After leading acclaimed alt-rock-folk band Lamplight through extensive European touring across 13 countries, Biscan has evolved into a compelling solo artist whose music spans intimate acoustic delivery to bombastic chant anthems. His latest work includes debut solo album Golden Moment and the forthcoming The Cabin of Song, crafted during a month-long songwriting retreat in remote Iceland.
Josh Light & The Unfurling
- 13 September
Victorian College of the Arts graduate Josh Light leads this carefully assembled Melbourne folk collective featuring traditional Irish instruments rarely heard in live local performances. The quartet incorporates Uilleann pipes, low whistle, violin, mandolin, and acoustic guitar to create what’s described as “elegant in its simplicity as it is profound in its substance.” Light’s transition from accomplished drummer to songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has produced the acclaimed debut album Half Light Dreamer.
Renny G & Tuxedos
- 14 September
Melbourne power trio Renny G & Tuxedos delivers a unique blend of classic rock, blues, boogie and soul with a dedicated local following reflected in their strong social media engagement. Their repertoire combines original compositions with carefully chosen covers spanning well-known rock and soul standards. The intimate setting of Merri Bar provides ideal acoustics for their power trio format, allowing the interplay between bass, guitar and drums to shine.
Jack Raymond
- 20 September
Roots-driven Australiana artist Jack Raymond brings mountain storytelling from his origins in Harrietville, Victoria’s alpine country. Now based in Noosa, Queensland, Raymond maintains strong Victorian connections through regular touring, describing himself as “truly the voice of the mountain.” His rugged, raw sound is grounded in blues with folk undertones, characterised as “Aussie-Americana” with a distinctive mountain roots approach. His debut album The Long Story Short features wonderful storytelling with stripped-back instrumentation.
The Plumms
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- 21 September
The Plumms represent the kind of emerging talent discovery that Merri Bar specialises in nurturing! While Sophie and Jarryn are pretty new to the scene, they have some delightful Fleetwood Mac and Bryan Adams covers on their Instagram, really working the male-female vocals to terrific effect. They both have great voices – come and check them out.
Tall Timber
- 27 September
Distinctive Melbourne folk duo Tall Timber features Queensland Conservatorium graduates Maxine Sutcliffe and Stephen Lebsanft, who relocated to Melbourne during 2020 lockdown and transitioned from classical training to embrace folk, bluegrass and Americana. Their unique pairing of swing guitar and trombone creates an unusual and compelling sound that blends wooden and brass instruments with captivating vocals. This instrumental combination is rare – and fantastic!
Jad Pinnone
- 28 September
Sonic poet Jad Pinnone closes September with his original alternative approach as a “Gnawa Maalem,” referencing traditional Moroccan master musicians. His Shilha Moroccan and Italian heritage creates uniquely hypnotic soundscapes blending ambient blues, folk and soulful R&B-infused maqam chants. Performed on banjo, acoustic guitar, violin, drums and percussion, his music creates atmospheric elements that transport listeners to another world, spanning influences from Nirvana to Moroccan folklore.
For more information, head here.
